Your Memorial: Redirect

Passion in music makes a great impression. Often, it helps remind listeners why a band is making music, what keeps them moving, and how much they care about what they’re doing. Your Memorial made a great impression with their ardent 2010 debut Atonement, and two years later, they follow it up with Redirect. Their sophomore release isn’t as strong as their first, but because of its bleeding passion, heartfelt lyrics, and careful craft, the weaknesses found within its instrumentation and musical approach are easier to overlook.

Immediately, Redirect sounds like a tried and tired version of Atonement. It seems like Your Memorial is going for a more raw, untouched approach; the record isn’t as tantalizing (its breakdowns are definitely turned down a notch), nor is it as thick as Atonement, but it still contains a sound very reminiscent of their debut. In fact, it’s almost hard to tell the two records apart. Because of this feel, in addition to the record’s somewhat stale, been-there-done-that vibe, fans of the band’s debut may throw it aside. However, fans of backboned, uplifting songwriting and furious conviction should immediately connect.

Following a sensual yet generic intro track, “Redirect” blasts into a metalcore sound protruding with influence from both death and progressive metal. This song is quite strengthening; speaking of growing closer to God, the track makes up for its stale riffage with a spiritual essence that is absent and/or lacking in a lot of music. “Shipwreck” gets things into a more solidified groove thanks to intricate guitar work and a more concerned, more awakened tone. Cleans and screams hold more of an impact in the chorus, and prove to be an effective tool in later tracks “Trial and Triumph” and “Transform” as well. The band also continues to make use of instrumental tracks. Both “The Substance of Things Hoped For…” and “…Evidence of Things Unseen” are an emotional journey that shows maturity, positivity, and conviction. Much of the album’s instrumentation seems to be coated in emotion and hope, and this makes Redirect a lot easier to digest and relate to.

As the album continues on, the depth encased within it is fully revealed. “Change The World” is an obvious standout track thanks to its meshing of intense guitar work and a melodic feel. Other songs such as “Anthem” and “Cadence For a King” prove that music is more than just the music itself, but also the message and interpretation found beneath all of that. When the record reaches a conclusion, it remains thought-provoking. Though Redirect suffers from pale melodies and repetitive stanzas of riffage and hardcore screams, its passion ignites a very powerful fire.

Even though I’d choose Atonement over Redirect any day, I’ve grown very attached to Your Memorial’s sophomore release. They seem to care a lot more about their message than anything, and from that, it’s quite obvious of their loyalty to the Lord. Just like For Today and other bands who have followed suit, these metalheads put their foot forward when it comes to their faith. And, like an onion, this album’s passion, emotion, and vision are uncovered layer by layer, listen after listen. Though it won’t go down as a frontrunner for Album of the Year or even be on many Top 10 lists, it’s an album that continues to show Your Memorial’s love for both music and Christ. Though it takes some time to fully grow to like Redirect, the passion it possesses holds a lasting impact on those willing to delve into it.

My two biggest passions are music and writing, and I find a lot of satisfaction fusing the two. I'm a journalism graduate from the University of Kansas who recently began a career in communications. My favorite things include vinyl records, Breaking Bad, National Parks, and Chipotle. I'm straight edge, I follow the Royals and Chiefs religiously, and I'm a devout believer in Christ. In my free time, I'm watching movies, playing sports, and moshing at concerts.